What is squared?

In mathematics, squaring a number means multiplying the number by itself. For example, squaring 5 results in 5 x 5 = 25. The result of squaring a number is called a square.

The square of a number is always a non-negative number, as any negative number squared will result in a positive number.

The operation of squaring is often used in calculating areas of squares and rectangles, as well as in various mathematical equations and formulas.

The notation for squaring a number is often denoted by placing a small 2 as a superscript next to the number (e.g. 5²).

In algebra, squaring can also refer to the process of multiplying a binomial by itself, known as squaring a binomial. This involves using the distributive property to expand the terms and simplify the expression.